To Be or…not To Be, an American? | Traveler
The world’s view of American People, Life, and Culture is one that is tainted by exaggerated portrayals as presented in social media, news, and television. It has had an immense impact on the American travel experience and shapes the way that foreigners in other countries interact with us whether an average person or a well-known/celebrity. I’ve had to ask myself the question at some point — to be or not to be American?
Is it even worth discussing, mentioning, or letting on that I’m a U.S. Citizen when traveling?
I can hardly shake the feeling of being watched or surveilled while traveling in another country. What do they think of me? Will I get a sketchy deal? Am I safe? What is the political status of my country in relation to this one, at current? What do the people think of our culture (i.e. laws, restrictions, influences).
One day, this same reflection came over me as I sat in a cafe in Italy quietly sipping a cappuccino. After looking over the menu, the waiter came by to take my order. Shortly after hearing my American-English accent he and a few locals surrounding my table dove deep into conversation about *at the time* President Electoral Candidate Donald Trump. They were worried about him as a person and the decisions he might make should he take office. It was uncomfortable for me…I just wanted to blend in and enjoy the moment. I leaned away from the questioning as much as possible by diverting them to shrugs and more sips of my beverage. In the end, I got up — tipped very generously and left.
Pressure. Guilt. Weight.
I’ve heard it said so many times before that foreigners look to American Reality T.V. shows, Comedy series, and Hollywood Movies to draw conclusions about who Americans are and what we are capable of. Little do they know…we are not all the same. We are not all ballin', looking for the party scene, illegal drugs, and thrilling adventures. Americans are just as starkly different as the 50 states as we are comprised of. American travelers are not ALL self-centered, culturally insensitive, unaware, or language illiterate. Yes. I can agree that Americans have a way of asserting themselves and having high expectations for customer service/hospitality. I talk about this in my book — Jet SET Go!
Myself, being a WOC (Woman of Color) can play it off that I am from just about anywhere: Ethiopia, Jamaica, France, and Southern Asia…because of my ambiguous facial features and ability to hold at least conversational Spanish. I actually feel more secure in avoiding my true nationality to avoid awkward moments and encounters like the one before. I’m also an Artist so my eclectic attire lends itself to be a Global Citizen. The way that I naturally make myself acquainted in new places with people also speaks to liberation. That red, white and blue doesn’t stop me from appreciating the world and the people in it.
After all, who wants to be Boxed in? It is important to remain open-minded, a student of life, and nimble enough to all that life has to offer. And also, stand your ground. No one has to know everything- if it amounts to nothing anyways. I can’t shake the way that the world sees my country, but I can teach/show that I, myself — am human. Let’s just start there.
We can get to everything else — after.
